Thanksgiving Recipes with Dog-Friendly Ingredients
Our dogs are reliant upon us for their health and well-being. You may choose to engorge yourself this Turkey Day but that doesn’t mean your dog has to! Let’s face it, the traditional Thanksgiving menu is not exactly healthy for humans, and it can be downright dangerous for dogs!
We all love to indulge on Thanksgiving and your dog is no exception! Don’t let those puppy dog eyes win you over this year - resist the temptation! The results will be a happier and healthier pup and no unnecessary visits to the vet.
Healthy Canine Thanksgiving Menu:
Green Bean Casserole
If making green bean casserole this year, feel free to hand off a raw green bean or two. They contain very few calories, are full of iron and dogs often like the crunch!
Pumpkin Pie
Believe it or not, sugar-free, canned pumpkin is good for your dog’s gut—in small quantities of course. While making your pumpkin pies, place a dollop in your dog’s food bowl or on top of his food for an extra treat.
Turkey
Skinless, white turkey meat is a yummy, high-protein treat in moderation. You can give your pup a few bites. We recommend putting it in their bowl to prevent begging or counter-surfing.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Steamed or boiled sweet potatoes are great for digestive health. Prior to mixing those spuds with butter and brown sugar, feel free to share a bite!
Butternut Squash Soup
Squash is good, but not raw. Be sure to share some squash after cooking but before adding spices and cream!
Apple Crisp
Put some apple slices aside when making your apple pie or apple crisp. Apple slices without seeds are a safe and healthy treat.
Foods NOT to share this Thanksgiving
Mashed potatoes
Often laden with butter and cream, mashed potatoes can cause diarrhea for dogs.
Stuffing
Stuffing typically contains onions, garlic, salt, and other spices that can be harmful to dogs.
Bread Dough
Unbaked bread dough contains yeast. Yeast can be very dangerous to dogs when ingested due to the fact that it emits a gas as it rises. If ingested and the yeast expands in your dog’s stomach, causing a multitude of problems, including a GDV, or “bloat”. Bloat is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Less severe complications can be upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. None of which are fun with a houseful of guests.
Turkey Bones
While dogs love bones, chicken and turkey bones are particularly dangerous for dogs. Chicken and turkey bones are not digestible in the stomach. They can also shatter and cause punctures throughout the intestinal tract or get lodged in their esophagus causing choking. All could require surgery for removal.
Corn on the Cob
Corn in and of itself is not dangerous for dogs, however, the cob becomes a huge choking hazard. It also is not easily digestible in the stomach and can cause long-term GI issues.
Pecans
Pecans, like pecan pie or a pre-dinner appetizer, can cause stomach upset in dogs if large quantities are ingested.
Candy
Everyone knows that chocolate can be toxic to dogs, but other sweets also pose a risk. Large quantities of sugar, cream, and butter can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. Some desserts may also contain artificial sweetener, Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Maggie Dean is the proud owner of a Bichon Frise / Cocker Spaniel mix named Rocco and a Holland Lop rabbit, Bunson. She’s been the Inbound Marketer at AKC Pet Insurance since 2016 but has had a passion for animals her whole life. If you’re an animal lover, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to keep up with all things cute, funny, and interesting!
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